Jeurys Familia tied the Mets’ single-season saves record last season. This year, he seems poised to break it. The Mets All Star closer has already collected 30 saves in 86 games this season and will need just 14 saves over the final 76 games of the season to break the all-time franchise record.
ESPN.com currently projects him to finish the season with 58 saves, which would smash the mark set by Armando Benitez who currently owns the franchise record of 43.
Additionally, if Familia gets to 58 it would be the second-most saves in one season in baseball history. While unlikely, Familia even has an outside chance to break the MLB saves record of 62, set by former Met closer Francisco Rodriguez in 2008.
As Mets fans know all too well, a lot can happen over the next three months… so getting to the record is no given. But the fact that the Mets have finally found a full-time, reputable closer is such a big win for the team after too many awful seasons out of their bullpen over the years.
Familia’s 30 saves continue to lead the major leagues and what is most remarkable is that he is a perfect 30 for 30 in his save opportunities in 2016. He has now saved 46 consecutive games in the regular season dating back to August 1, 2015, the longest active streak in the majors.
Familia’s remarkable run over the last two seasons has flown somewhat under the radar, mostly due to the attention surrounding the Mets rotation, Yoenis Cespedes and Daniel Murphy among other things.
But the team would not have gotten to the World Series — or remained in contention this year — had it not been for Familia’s incredible ninth-inning prowess.
